Complementary and alternative medicines are the wave of the future and you see them on store shelves and advertised on television. Many times, it seems like a better idea to take anything other than the prescribed medication that cause so many side-effects you wonder why you take it at all. Alternative therapies take all forms, from supplements to yoga and massage therapy techniques.

Health insurance in the United States is not formulated in a way that makes much sense. While some insurance companies are making strides, most are still in the dark ages of health care and will not pay for preventative health care. It seems to make sense that a health insurance company would want to avoid common ailments so that they would be able to save money on future payouts.

Many people are choosing to obtain complementary and alternative health care services whether their insurance pays for it or not. Alternative medicine is considered any type of health care service or treatment that is not under the umbrella of Western medicine. For this reason, many health insurance companies will not pay for it. One compelling reason from the aspect of the insurance companies is that the United States Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated the alternative medicines and supplements to determine their effectiveness and safety. Many times, companies that manufacture such supplements and herbal remedies claim results that have never been tested. Unfortunately, many people have died without realizing there was a risk at all with the supplement.

On the other hand, there are many alternative and holistic, natural treatments that are perfectly safe and yet are still not covered under many health insurance policies. As people start to demand these options for their health care, more and more health insurance companies will begin to cover them. Chiropractic services and acupuncture are commonly covered under the few health insurance companies that offer alternative medicine treatments at all. Massage therapy is another type of alternative therapy that is covered. Before you obtain treatment from an alternative medicine practitioner, check with your insurance coverage to make sure of how much you will be spending out of pocket.

When considering receiving alternative health treatments, contact your health insurance company and ask about what your plan covers and what the limits, if any, are. Find out if the alternative therapy needs to be pre-authorized or if you need a referral from your primary health care provider. Ask if there are specific alternative medicine professionals in the insurance network or if you are able to choose one yourself. Do not forget to find out about dollar limits per calendar year and keep your receipts, bills and letters for any issues that might arise later.

It is also advised that you discuss your insurance coverage with the practitioner before they treat you. Even if your health insurance pays for the treatment, if the alternative medicine provider does not accept your insurance, you will still be paying for it out of pocket.